EKBAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EKBAX (Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - EKBAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, EKBAX returned 16.50%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EKBAX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

EKBAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund (EKBAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EKBAX achieves a 36.76% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, EKBAX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 16.50%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

EKBAX

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 8.27%
• YTD: 36.76%
• 6M: 36.31%
• 1Y: 60.97%
• 3Y*: 30.90%
• 5Y*: 19.63%
• 10Y*: 16.50%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EKBAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EKBAX Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund	36.76%	21.87%	21.75%	22.23%	-13.47%	19.61%	12.66%	32.99%	-5.55%	14.43%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between EKBAX and VUG is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.87

The correlation between EKBAX and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EKBAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EKBAX

EKBAX Risk / Return Rank: 95
EKBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EKBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
EKBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
EKBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
EKBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EKBAX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund (EKBAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EKBAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.39	1.44	+1.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.14	1.97	+2.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.25	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.40	1.46	+6.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.73	4.99	+27.74

EKBAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EKBAX Sharpe Ratio is 3.39, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EKBAX and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EKBAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EKBAX drawdown since its inception was -55.64%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKBAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EKBAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.64%	-50.68%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.32%	-16.53%	+9.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-22.85%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.84%	-35.61%	+10.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.33%	-35.61%	+3.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-4.86%	+4.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.97%	-7.09%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	4.82%	-2.94%

Volatility

EKBAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund (EKBAX) has a higher volatility of 9.41% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.55%. This indicates that EKBAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EKBAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.41%	6.55%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.89%	13.32%	+1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.17%	16.80%	+1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.48%	22.36%	-3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.74%	21.53%	-3.79%

EKBAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EKBAX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

EKBAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

EKBAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.04%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKBAX Allspring Diversified Capital Builder Fund	7.04%	9.61%	5.28%	6.16%	12.50%	6.89%	2.03%	9.49%	7.14%	6.20%	10.05%	11.47%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EKBAX and VUG in my portfolio?

EKBAX and VUG have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EKBAX or VUG?

EKBAX has higher volatility (9.41%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EKBAX dropped -55.64% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EKBAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.39 vs 1.44), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.